Boy, 12, Places Thousands of Flags on Veterans’ Headstones

Setting an example for us all.

Preston Sharp, a 12-year-old California boy, was upset when he visited his grandfather’s grave on Veterans Day two years ago and noticed that many gravestones were flag- and flower-free. So he decided to take matters into his own hands. The boy set a goal that all of the veterans’ headstones at McDonald’s Chapel in Redding Memorial Park would be recognized with a flag and a flower.

That goal seemed awesome enough, but it quickly expanded to include the deceased veterans buried at other cemeteries in surrounding counties, too. So he started a GoFundMe page. Sharp has now put at least 17,500 flags and flowers on veterans’ graves at cemeteries across Northern California. And so far he has raised $31,455 of his $500,000 goal.

Sharp’s movement and dedication also got locals involved. They apparently come out to help him on Sunday mornings “to clean headstones, replace weathered flags and flowers and say ‘Thank You’ to those that have provided their services to our country.”

This little man’s work isn’t being ignored. FOX 46 has reported that he has received community awards and recognition from military organizations throughout the state.

He’s not stopping, either. He’s expanded his goal to honor as many vets as possible between Redding and Sacramento. The true definition of a little patriot? We think so.

If you would like to contribute to Sharp’s mission to honor veterans, you can find more information at his GoFundMe page.

What a cool and touching story to kick off Independence Day weekend, no?